New state senator sworn in for the 34th District seat left open by Guy Velella

Democrat Jeff Klein will be the new voice for voters in the 34th Senate District.

Klein?s message at his swearing-in on Sunday was the need for reform in Albany. He said that he would bring to the floor of the Senate a bill calling for open budget hearings in all 62 counties of the state. Klein also said the proposed bill would make legislators more accountable to the people. Klein says another of his priorities is creating a new state education aid formula that will bring more money to public schools

The swearing-in ceremony was held at SUNY?s Maritime College in the Bronx. Many of the state?s Democratic heavyweights were in attendance including Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY). Guy Velella, who is serving time at Rikers Island after pleading guilty to bribery charges, was not mentioned throughout the entire swearing-in ceremony.